Support Amy Bryant's Kidney Journey to Fight Against CKD

Hello, my name is Amy Bryant, and I truly appreciate you taking your time to read my story. My family and I have been facing many unexpected financial obstacles since July 2024 when, during routine blood work, I was referred to a nephrologist here in Lynchburg, VA. I was diagnosed with stage 3(b) chronic kidney disease. At that time, my total kidney function was only 35 percent.

By the end of September 2024, I got very sick and was admitted to Lynchburg General Hospital. Upon arrival, we discovered I was in complete kidney failure with my total kidney function at 11 percent and my creatinine level was 4.9 mg/dL. I had become septic with little chance to survive.

I was then rushed to VA Baptist Hospital for emergency surgery in hopes the doctor could get stents into both kidneys to drain them. That was unsuccessful. The doctor was unable to even get the dye to pass through in order to place the stents.

I made it through the night at Lynchburg General Hospital, and the next day a radiologist performed a procedure and placed drain tubes with nephrostomy bags coming out of my back from each kidney. About a week and a half later, I was okay to come home with the help of Centra Home Health Care nurse and my family.

This caused us all to face many new challenges, financially and emotionally, for my family and I. We all had to hold up mentally and adjust to many changes and financial situations.

Since then, I see many specialists here in Lynchburg and also at UVA in Charlottesville, VA. On March 5, 2025, Dr. Pate and colleagues at UVA Hospital had to remove my left kidney and ureter.

As of yesterday, April 28, 2025, I had my 8th surgery since September 2024.

I have 4 children, of which 3 still live at home with my fiancé and I. This has been very hard and life-changing for us all. I am doing my best, with their help, to keep my spirits up and keep pushing myself to be strong.

It has almost been 2 months, as of May 5, 2025, that I have been living with only my right kidney, but I am happy for this piece of encouragement that wasn’t thought to be possible by the doctors or myself. On April 18, 2025, my kidney function is 51 percent and my creatinine level is 1.3 mg/dL, which means I have come a long way. I hope that gives anyone with kidney disease lots of encouragement also!

I am humbly asking for donations to help support my family and I with the financial burdens from all the unexpected expenses and things that my insurance has not and/or will not cover.

I have had 8 surgeries, long hospital stays, medical transport, medical equipment for home, medications, and home health care nurse for several months and will continue to need.

Over the last 7 months, I have accumulated many extra costs and bills. For instance, one trip in a rescue squad from Lynchburg General to VA Baptist Hospital (for emergency surgery), insurance did not cover $1600. I have a few medications monthly that insurance does not cover, and just one prescription is $438 per month. Part of home health, insurance is not covering. I require a certain medical tape (due to allergies) that insurance does not cover. We have many road trips and overnight stays away from home to specialists. Thank you all for reading, and any donation given is very appreciated.